Student computer expectations have been established by committees and departments. At the elementary level, expectations are based on the different modes of computer use (creativity and design, research, etc). These categories are correlated to the ISTE NETS standards

Besides the academic expectations for technology use, all students are expected to follow the guidelines of the District Internet Safety Policy. This policy addresses issues related to social and ethical uses of technology. Specifically, all students are expected to respect the intellectual property rights of others and use technology in a socially responsible manner.

Computer expectations at the elementary level are satisfied through collaborative instruction by the elementary computer teachers, classroom teachers, and librarians.

The expectations may be satisfied by computer experiences that take place in computer labs, classrooms, or libraries. While these expectations do not designate mastery of a particular concept, they do provide a framework for appropriate computer experiences for all students.

Elementary Computer Expectations

The elementary computer program provides an important foundation for Scarsdale students. The program is comprehensive and interdisciplinary, addressing major themes within the curriculum.

Each elementary school now has a full time computer teacher. These computer teachers provide curriculum development and instruction, professional development and technical support in their respective schools. The computer teachers and classroom teachers are assisted by two computer aides. The Head Elementary Computer Teacher coordinates the instructional program and provides technical assistance.

Elementary students engage in curriculum-related computer activities designed by their classroom teacher, computer teacher, and/or library media specialist. During the primary grades, students become engaged in a number of developmentally appropriate computer projects. Computers are used for problem-solving activities, creating simple publishing projects, painting and drawing, and slide show presentations. Third grade students develop programming and problem-solving skills using Microworlds, a mathematically rich software design program. As students move into grades four and five, they continue to use Microworlds to complete advanced problem-solving activities, culminating with the creation of a project that demonstrates both their computer expertise and their knowledge of mathematical concepts. Fifth grade students participate in an inquiry research project which brings together many of the strategies and skills they’ve learned in their elementary careers.

Elementary students also learn how to create multimedia presentations and how to use the Internet as a tool for basic research. They engage in a variety of interesting computer projects, including databases, computer animation, movies, audio and music compositions, and other technology topics. Students also have access to subscription-based online reference materials and software simulations.

The following chart presents computer expectations for each of the elementary grades. The expectations are based on the latest draft of the revised ISTE National Educational Technology Standards:

• Creativity & Innovation Students think creatively, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products using technology. • Communication & Collaboration Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others • Research & Information Retrieval Students access, retrieve, manage, and evaluate information using digital tools. • Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Decision-Making Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate technology tools. • Digital Citizenship Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. • Technology Operations & Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.